OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Headphones Methodology v1.0
Headphones Methodology v1.0
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Products in this category are scored under Frontum Headphones Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
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Sennheiser RS 165 Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price:~£180Form factor:over-earConnectivity:wirelessBattery life:18 hoursActive noise cancellation (ANC):no

Sennheiser RS 165 Review: Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Headphones category and whether it is worth buying.

Sennheiser RS 165
6.3/10

Overall score

Score
6.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 54% of models
Score components

80%

5.7

Technical score

20%

8.5

User score

â–²Better than 54% of headphones
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

â–¼Worse than 51%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components

52%

6.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.3

Design

8%

7.0

Connectivity

6%

3.6

Battery

4%

4.7

Calls & Controls

â–¼Worse than 61%
8.5

User score

User score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 82% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

8.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–²Better than 82%
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Headphones model ranking

Ranked #646 of 1,029 models in Headphones (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of pair of headphones Sennheiser RS 165

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Headphones category across these key areas: Sound, Calls & Controls, Connectivity, Features, Battery, Design.
When it matters
When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 61% of models
Score components:

52%

6.6

Sound

20%

4.0

Features

10%

5.3

Design

8%

7.0

Connectivity

6%

3.6

Battery

4%

4.7

Calls & Controls

5.7
User score
User score
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 82% of models
Score components

70%

8.5

User ratings

30%

8.5

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.5
Popularity
Popularity
8.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters
When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 81% of models
Popularity:
Sennheiser RS 165 has a popularity score of 8.5 points, which is higher than that of 80.6% of products in this category.
8.5
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 51% of models
Score components:

70%

6.3

Overall score

30%

9.6

Price

7.3
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
no
This pair of headphones does not support active noise cancellation. 27.5% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
Market range: <10 mm – >50 mm
This pair of headphones uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.6% of headphones and equal to 53.3% of headphones.
Number of drivers
1
Market range: <1 – >4
This pair of headphones uses 1 drivers, fewer drivers than 4% of headphones and equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
18 Hz
Market range: <5 Hz – >20 Hz
This pair of headphones reaches a lowest frequency of 18 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 49.6% of headphones and equal to 3.6% of headphones.
Show more
Noise-canceling microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not support a noise-canceling microphone. 39% of headphones support noise-canceling microphones.
Can be used as a headset
no
This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while 15.1% is. 84.9% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
0
Market range: <0 – >4
This pair of headphones has 0 microphones, fewer microphones than 73.2% of headphones and equal to 26.9% of headphones.
Boom microphone
no
This pair of headphones does not include a boom microphone. 13.5% of headphones have a boom microphone.
Microphone SNR
N/A
Show more
Connectivity
wireless
This pair of headphones supports wireless connectivity, more flexible connectivity than 50.8% of headphones and equal to 49.2% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
N/A
Audio latency
40 ms
Market range: <40 ms – >222 ms
This pair of headphones has audio latency of 40 ms, lower audio latency than 77.2% of headphones and equal to 14.6% of headphones.
Multipoint support
no
This pair of headphones does not support multipoint. 30.6% of headphones support multipoint.
Show more
Ambient sound mode
no
This pair of headphones does not offer ambient sound mode. 24.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
no
This pair of headphones does not support EQ customization. 23.2% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
no
This pair of headphones does not work with a companion app. 21.6% of headphones support companion apps.
Adjustable ANC levels
N/A
Voice assistant support
no
This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
18 hours
Market range: <10 hours – >70 hours
This pair of headphones offers battery life of 18 hours, lower battery life than 74% of headphones and equal to 1.9% of headphones.
Battery life with ANC
N/A
Charging time
8.5 hours
Market range: <1.5 hours – >3.5 hours
This pair of headphones needs 8.5 hours to charge, higher charging time than 99% of headphones and equal to 0.3% of headphones.
Quick charge
no
This pair of headphones does not support quick charging. 33.1% of headphones support quick charge.
Battery capacity
1,640 mAh
Market range: <290 mAh – >1k mAh
This pair of headphones has a battery capacity of 1,640 mAh, higher battery capacity than 99.4% of headphones.
Show more
Brand name
Sennheiser
Form factor
over-ear
Weight
300 g
Market range: <14 g – >340 g
This pair of headphones weighs 300 g, heavier than 80.9% of headphones and equal to 1.3% of headphones.
Acoustic design
closed-back
Clamp force
4.9
Market range: <2.5 – >6.1
This pair of headphones has a clamp force of 4.9, higher clamp force than 59.7% of headphones and equal to 8.5% of headphones.
Show more

Sennheiser RS 165 vs the average pair of headphones

246810TotalDesignSoundBatteryConnectivityCalls & ControlsFeatures
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 110 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (40 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    40 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • LDAC support
    This pair of headphones supports LDAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.1% of headphones support LDAC.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 2.83x higher battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (1,640 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    1,640 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • Dongle included
    This pair of headphones includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
  • 6.5% higher user score
    User score
    8.5/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Sennheiser RS 165
    the average pair of headphones
    Sennheiser RS 165 has a higher user score than the average pair of headphones (8.52 vs 8).
    8.52 vs 8
  • 45.6% more popular
    Sennheiser RS 165 is more popular than the average pair of headphones (8.54 vs 5.9).
    8.54 vs 5.87
  • 0.8 m longer cable length
    This pair of headphones offers a more useful cable length than the average pair of headphones (2 m vs 1.2 m). The average headphones have a cable length of 1.2 m.
    2 m vs 1.2 m
  • Spatial audio support
    This pair of headphones supports spatial audio, the average pair of headphones does not. 15.9% of headphones support spatial audio.
  • 4 dB/mW higher sensitivity
    This pair of headphones has a higher sensitivity than the average pair of headphones (106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
    106 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
  • 2.83x higher battery capacity
    This pair of headphones has a higher battery capacity than the average pair of headphones (1,640 mAh vs 580 mAh). The average headphones have a battery capacity of 580 mAh.
    1,640 mAh vs 580 mAh
  • Removable battery
    This pair of headphones has a removable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 7.8% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • Rechargeable battery
    This pair of headphones has a rechargeable battery, the average pair of headphones does not. 47.9% of headphones have a rechargeable battery.
  • 110 ms lower audio latency
    This pair of headphones has a lower audio latency than the average pair of headphones (40 ms vs 150 ms). The average headphones have audio latency of 150 ms.
    40 ms vs 150 ms
  • More flexible connectivity
    This pair of headphones offers more flexible connectivity than the average pair of headphones (wireless vs wired). The average headphones support wired connectivity.
    wireless vs wired
  • LDAC support
    This pair of headphones supports LDAC, the average pair of headphones does not. 8.1% of headphones support LDAC.
  • Direct 3.5 mm plug
    This pair of headphones includes a direct 3.5 mm plug, the average pair of headphones does not. 39.8% of headphones have a 3.5 mm male connector.
  • Dongle included
    This pair of headphones includes a dongle, the average pair of headphones does not. 4.6% of headphones include a dongle.
  • Low-latency game mode
    This pair of headphones includes a low-latency game mode, the average pair of headphones does not. 21.2% of headphones support low-latency game mode.
  • On-device controls
    This pair of headphones includes on-device controls, the average pair of headphones does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 6.5 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (8.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    8.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 37.6% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (300 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    300 g vs 218 g
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 12 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (18 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    18 hours vs 30 hours
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.5 % vs 0.3 %
  • 2x more expensive
    Sennheiser RS 165 is more expensive than the average pair of headphones (£180 vs £90).
    £180 vs £90
  • 37.6% higher weight
    This pair of headphones is heavier than the average pair of headphones (300 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    300 g vs 218 g
  • Fixed cable
    This pair of headphones has a fixed cable, while the average pair of headphones has a detachable one. 62% of headphones have a detachable cable.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    This pair of headphones uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average pair of headphones is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    no tangle-free listening cable is present or specified.
  • No travel bag
    This pair of headphones does not include a travel bag, the average pair of headphones does. 65.4% of headphones include a travel bag.
  • 6 mm tighter earcup width
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup width than the average pair of headphones (38 mm vs 44 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 44 mm.
    38 mm vs 44 mm
  • 0.6 higher clamp force
    This pair of headphones has a higher clamp force than the average pair of headphones (4.9 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
    4.9 vs 4.3
  • 3 mm tighter earcup height
    This pair of headphones has tighter earcup height than the average pair of headphones (57 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    57 mm vs 60 mm
  • 0.2 % higher distortion
    This pair of headphones has a higher total harmonic distortion than the average pair of headphones (0.5 % vs 0.3 %). The average headphones have total harmonic distortion of 0.3 %.
    0.5 % vs 0.3 %
  • 6.5 hours longer charging time
    This pair of headphones has a higher charging time than the average pair of headphones (8.5 hours vs 2 hours). The average headphones need 2 hours to charge.
    8.5 hours vs 2 hours
  • 12 hours shorter battery life
    This pair of headphones has a lower battery life than the average pair of headphones (18 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life of 30 hours.
    18 hours vs 30 hours
  • Not headset-ready
    This pair of headphones is not headset-ready, while the average pair of headphones is. 84.8% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 1 fewer microphones
    This pair of headphones has fewer microphones than the average pair of headphones (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
    0 vs 1
  • No voice assistant support
    This pair of headphones does not support voice assistants, the average pair of headphones does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

7.0
Hardware Canucks
≈ estimated
18/04/2015
Hands-on review · sound, comfort and range tests
Verdict
Sennheiser RS 165 has excellent sound for a wireless headphone, but its bulky design, heat and weak range limit it.
Shop video
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

R
rtings.com
09/06/2017
Summary of the review
Sennheiser RS 165 RF Wireless Review - RTINGS.com
L
leclaireur.fnac.com
21/04/2015
Summary of the review
RS165, 175, and 185 UHF Headphones: An Excellent Range of Wireless Headphones
(Translated)Show original
M
maisonadam.ca
12/04/2018
Summary of the review
Sennheiser Wireless Earbuds Review: Private TV Listening
(Translated)Show original
id.nl
18/09/2015
Hands-on test · Wireless TV headphones
Verdict
The Sennheiser RS 165 is a comfortable wireless pair for TV that lasts a day per charge, but its bass is a bit heavy and the price is high.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: November 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Sennheiser RS 165

  • High sound quality with clear dialogue and vibrant reproduction
  • Low-latency wireless connection via RF, ideal for TV and video
  • Bass boost feature adds satisfying impact to movies and music
  • Long battery life of up to 18 hours per charge
  • Simple setup with a transmitter that doubles as a charging cradle
  • Effective at blocking out background noise for private listening

What customers don't like about Sennheiser RS 165

  • Bulky design makes them less suitable for travel or sports
  • Can feel tight or heavy during long listening sessions
  • Control buttons on the earcup are sometimes tricky to find while wearing
  • Limited connectivity options with a lack of RCA or optical inputs out of the box
  • Occasional reports of background hum or interference
  • No option for wired use if the battery dies or for higher-end audio setups

Verdict

The Sennheiser RS 165 is a digital RF wireless headphone system designed for home entertainment, featuring a closed, circumaural (over-ear) design that provides passive noise isolation and a frequency response of 18 Hz to 21,000 Hz. Its primary characteristics include 2.4 GHz digital wireless transmission with a range of up to 30 metres (98 feet) line-of-sight and a multi-purpose transmitter that doubles as a docking station to recharge the included AAA NiMH batteries, providing approximately 18 hours of playtime. Key pros include low-latency audio ideal for TV viewing, a dedicated 'Dynamic Bass Boost' mode for enhanced low-end performance, and a comfortable 300g lightweight build with plush padding. Main cons involve its reliance on a stationary transmitter which limits portability, the lack of digital optical or HDMI inputs (offering only 3.5mm analogue connectivity), and a somewhat bulky, plasticky build that may feel tight for some users.

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